Miss Florida F.I.’s 43rd Anniversary Pageant

The social event of the season returns as the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant takes place on Monday, August 10 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach. The pageant attracts some of the top-named female impersonators, as well as movie, TV and fashion stars from across the USA and beyond.

I thought it would be timely to sit down with Miss Florida F.I., Brittany Moore, for this interview less than two weeks before she crowns her successor.

When was the first time you found out about Miss Florida F.I.?

It was the early ’90s. I was very young, but was very interested.

When did you first attend the Miss Florida F.I. pageant?

It was 1991, the year that Bobbie Lake won.

How long have you wanted to be a Miss Florida F.I.?

From the first year I went, I knew I wanted to be a Miss Florida F.I. They were the heroes and icons in the female impersonation industry. It was the RuPaul of that generation.

How many times did you enter?

I only entered twice. My first year was the year Esme Russell won (1993), and I was lucky enough to win on my second try.

Do you remember how it felt when your name was called out as the winner?

It was very surreal. I thought I had done enough to win, as I really put a tremendous amount of effort into my package, but I wasn’t sure. It was the biggest thing I ever won because of the legacy of Miss Florida and how it was in my bones.

Tell me about your reigning year.

The only thing I wanted to do was make a difference for the system because the system made such a big difference in my life. I hope I was able to accomplish this.

Do you have any advice for the next Miss Florida F.I.?

This year we have grown by leaps and bounds and I hope the new Miss Florida F.I. will be able to continue the legacy and keep Miss Florida F.I. in the forefront of pageantry.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m excited for my next venture, although as long as they will let me I will always be a part of the Miss Florida system. Not just by showing up every year, but by helping all year long. Miss Florida gave me a confidence I never thought I could have, and it changed me for the better. I hope people see that in my performances and in the next pageants I compete in.

In the past Miss Florida had celebrity judges, including KC and the Sunshine Band, Boy George, and Sylvester. This year we have Latrice Royale of RuPaul’s Drag Race season four and All-Stars joining six other qualified judges.

Although many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I. Although Miss Florida F.I. is a state title, the system has always been recognized as one of the top five national pageants.

Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV, movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including in Las Vegas and Provincetown, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.

The new owners who plan to uphold the vision of original owners Keith Landon and Rene Rodriguez include:

Alyson Thomas, a seasoned professional in the art form of female impersonation herself for 40 years, brings professionalism, style, stability, and experience to the pageant. She is also known throughout the country as a leading promoter and supporter to many who have gone on to become national title holders and a coach to newcomers. Well-respected by everyone in the art form, a hands-on owner with an eye for detail, coupled with personality, hospitality and vision.

Scott Holland (yes, that’s me), whose knowledge and experience in the Florida market includes media and editorial experience, judging experience in many pageantry systems, experience as a pageant coordinator and in public relations, professionalism, and a love for entertainment that cannot be touched.

Victor Zepka and Gary Santis, who have owned the pageant for many years, stay on as owners to keep the history of the system alive. They bring deacdes of hands-on working knowledge of the system and the experience that makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history and memories. Victor brings long-standing established relationships with sponsors, vendors and local business and community leaders to the pageant. Gary continues to create amazing sets, outrageous productions, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, encompassing a show and a night of entertainment not to be missed.

What the future holds for the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant contestants, formers, and the gay, lesbian and transgender community:

The return of the Miss Florida F.I. at Large Pageant in Central Florida, scheduled for April 2016

The Miss Florida F.I.’s on Parade

The establishment of the not-for-profit Miss Florida F.I. Foundation

The Miss Florida F.I. pageant will be held Monday, August 10, 2015 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach starting at 7 p.m. with a VIP cocktail reception at 6 p.m. To reserve your hotel room, go to DeauvilleBeachResort.com and don’t forget to enter the code MissFL15; if you do, you will get a FREE upgrade.